The grand ballroom of the Hofburg Palace flared with opulent, glittering light. Under massive, multi-tiered crystal chandeliers, classical waltzes played by a forty-piece orchestra echoed off gilded plasterwork, mirrored walls, and vaulted ceilings painted with historic imperial frescoes.Hundreds of guests—European aristocrats, foreign ambassadors, and industrial tycoons—glided across the polished marble floor in silk gowns and tailored tuxedos. Every face was concealed behind an intricate, ornate masquerade mask: filigreed gold lace, feathers, and silver skulls.Leo Hamilton stood on the elevated mezzanine terrace overlooking the floor, wearing a sharp, minimalist black tuxedo and a plain, unadorned obsidian mask.Beside him, Selene held her tablet beneath her shawl, her fingers tapping subtle inputs as she processed the encrypted data from Lady Victoria’s micro-drive. On Leo’s right, Bernard stood in a heavy velvet coat, his dark, watchful eyes scanning the high balconies and servi

The morning sun over Vienna broke through the heavy rain clouds, casting a cold, brilliant silver sheen across the manicured gardens of the Belvedere Palace.Unlike the ancient, suffocating halls of the Hofburg, the upper terrace of the Belvedere was open to the crisp autumn air. Below, the city’s historic spires stood sharp against the horizon.Leo Hamilton stood at the stone balustrade, his hands resting lightly on the cold granite rail. He wore a heavy black cashmere overcoat over a dark suit, his silhouette sharp and unyielding against the morning wind.Behind him, Bernard stood in silent vigilance near the stone archway, while Selene monitored intelligence feeds on her sleek glass tablet.The rhythmic, confident click of high heels against stone signaled the arrival of Lady Victoria Vance.She wore a long, tailored navy wool coat with a high collar, her platinum-blonde hair swept into an elegant twist. She walked without guards or attendants, her expression cool, guarded, and cal